You're on the right track, but let's clarify a few points and address your armored cable question. You're correct in understanding the difference between the GEC and bonding jumpers.

Here's the breakdown according to the NEC (refer to the latest edition you're under, but the core principles generally hold)


Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC)

Connects the service equipment (typically your meter main) to the grounding electrode system (GES). Must be sized according to NEC Table 250.66 based on the size of your service entrance conductors.

Must be continuous. This is the crucial point that creates the complexity. Splicing a GEC is generally not permitted (exceptions exist for irreversible compression connectors or exothermic welding under very specific conditions, which aren't typical in residential applications). That's where the continuous conductor requirement becomes problematic for your armored cable idea. Your example of the GEC from the meter main to the first ground rod is a valid starting point.2. Grounding Electrode System (GES)

This is the collection of grounding electrodes present at your site. Common examples are: Ground rods (required to be at least two, spaced at least 6 ft apart per NEC 250.53(B)) Metal underground water pipe (with supplemental electrode, often a ground rod) Concrete-encased electrode (rebar in footing, often called a "Ufer ground") Metal frame of the building (under specific conditions) These electrodes must be bonded together to form a unified, low-impedance ground path.3.

Bonding Jumpers

Connect the different elements of the GES together and bond other metallic systems (gas piping, water piping) to the GES.

Individual conductors are permitted for bonding jumpers. This is where you have more flexibility. Sized according to NEC Table 250.66, just like the GEC, but typically doesn't require to be larger than 3/0 copper. Connectors and terminations must be listed for grounding and bonding. The purpose of bonding is to create an equipotential plane, reducing the chance of voltage differences between metallic objects that could pose a shock hazard.

Your Armored Cable (AC Cable) Question

This is where your plan hits a snag. Using standard AC cable for the main GEC is problematic because of the continuity requirement.

AC Cable's Limitation

The armor of AC cable is not considered a suitable grounding conductor for this purpose. While it's often used for equipment grounding within a circuit, it's not designed, listed, or intended to carry the large fault currents that the GEC might need to handle. Furthermore, the connections at the fittings are not considered continuous enough for grounding electrode conductor purposes.

Why Continuous Matters for the GEC

If a fault occurs (e.g., a short circuit), the GEC provides a low-impedance path back to the source (the transformer), allowing a large fault current to flow. This high current trips the circuit breaker quickly, clearing the fault and preventing a sustained shock hazard or fire. If the GEC has high resistance (e.g., from a poor connection), the breaker might not trip quickly enough, creating a dangerous situation.

Solutions and Alternatives


Bare or Insulated Copper Conductor

This is the standard and generally best practice. Use a solid or stranded copper conductor of the appropriate size (determined by Table 250.66) to connect your meter main to the first grounding electrode (e.g., ground rod). Bury it directly in the ground (if it's bare copper) or run it through conduit (if insulated).
2.

Grounding Electrode Wire (GE Wire)

This is a type of insulated copper wire specifically designed for grounding applications.3.

Exothermic Welds or Irreversible Compression Connectors

If you absolutely must join two conductors for the GEC (it's generally best to avoid), these are the only methods permitted by the NEC (in most cases). However, exothermic welding requires specialized equipment and training. Irreversible compression connectors, while a good solution to connect two pieces together to achieve the same electrical conductivity as a single conductor of the same length, may not be an option for connection on the outside of metal conduit.4.

Separate Conductors for Bonding Jumpers (Your Idea - Correct for Bonding)

This is correct for the bonding jumpers between the different parts of your GES. You can run individual conductors (sized according to Table 250.66, but again, often limited to 3/0 copper) from the first ground rod to the other ground rod(s), water pipe, gas pipe, etc. These can be run as bare or insulated conductors, and the connections must be listed for grounding and bonding.

Example Scenario with a Ground Rod and Water Pipe


GEC

Solid or stranded copper conductor (sized per Table 250.66) runs continuously from your meter main to your first ground rod.2.

Bonding Jumper #1

A separate copper conductor (sized per Table 250.66, but often limited to 3/0 copper) runs from the first ground rod to your second ground rod.
3.

Bonding Jumper #2

A separate copper conductor (sized per Table 250.66, but often limited to 3/0 copper) runs from the first ground rod (or second ground rod, or service equipment) to your metal water pipe within 5 feet of where it enters the building. The water pipe also requires a supplemental electrode (typically a ground rod or concrete-encased electrode) connected with another bonding jumper.4.

Bonding Jumper #3

A separate copper conductor (sized per Table 250.66, but often limited to 3/0 copper) runs from the first ground rod (or second ground rod, or service equipment, or water pipe) to your gas pipe after the meter.

Important Considerations



Local Codes

Always check with your local electrical inspector for any specific requirements or interpretations in your area. They have the final say.

Connectors

Use connectors listed for grounding and bonding (often marked "GRND").

Corrosion

Consider using corrosion-resistant connectors and/or anti-oxidant paste (e.g., Noalox) to prevent corrosion at connections, especially if you're using dissimilar metals (e.g., copper to steel).

Protection

Protect exposed grounding conductors from physical damage, if necessary, with conduit or other suitable means.

Inspection

This is electrical work, which may require a permit and inspection.

In summary:

You can use individual conductors for the bonding jumpers between elements of your grounding electrode system (ground rods, water pipe, gas pipe), but your main GEC must be a continuous conductor. AC cable is not appropriate for use as a GEC. Stick to bare or insulated copper conductors for the GEC.Good luck with your project! Remember, when in doubt, consult a qualified electrician. Electrical work can be dangerous if not done correctly. Flag for review